Chappell Roan Pays Tribute to Cyndi Lauper in Shredded Newspaper Skirt as Janelle Monáe Brings Thom Browne Drama to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Chappell Roan and Janelle Monáe brought drama to the black carpet at the 40th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at the Peacock Theater.

Roan paid tribute to one of the evening’s honorees, Cyndi Lauper, by wearing pieces inspired by the ones Lauper wore in her 1986 True Colors music video. Monáe, on the other hand, couldn’t be missed in her green deconstructed Thom Browne suit.

Chappell Roan and Janelle Monáe turned the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame red carpet into a masterclass in avant-garde fashion — Roan dazzling in a crystal-encrusted bustier, Efrain Nava shredded-newspaper skirt, and gold Christian Louboutin “Marchavekel” heels, while Monáe commanded attention in a deconstructed green Thom Browne suit and platform Oxford shoes at the Peacock Theater on November 8, 2025, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Alongside Cyndi Lauper, this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees include Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes in the Performers category. At the same time, Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon were recognized for their Musical Influence.

Let’s have a closer look at Roan and Monáe’s standout outfits.

Chappell Roan Channels Cyndi Lauper: Vintage Crystal Bustier, Newspaper Skirt & Louboutin Heels

Chappell Roan arrived at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction channeling her role model, Cyndi Lauper, who she said “played an instrumental role” in her artistry, from her fashion and glam to her voice and movement. In an Instagram post, she shared that she sang “True Colors” in a talent show when she was 14 and won first place, calling it the moment she realized she wanted to become a singer.

With the help of her stylist, Genesis Webb, Roan wore a look inspired by Lauper’s iconic True Colors music video. She donned a vintage crystal bustier top she found on eBay—a halter-neck piece adorned with glittering chains and delicate crystal fringes.

Her skirt, designed by Efrain Nava, was crafted from layers of shredded newspaper, a nod to Lauper’s original look from the True Colors MV. Strips of newspaper were cut unevenly and structured to give the skirt volume and movement. It ended just above her knees; each piece swayed as she walked.

Chappell Roan channels Cyndi Lauper in the True Colors music video, wearing a crystal halter bustier top, a structured skirt made of shredded newspapers, and a headpiece featuring large circular frames and dangling orbs (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Sparkling Accessories, Crystal Headpiece & Gold Louboutin “Marchavekel” Heels

Her accessories, also from eBay, included long pearls, dangling earrings, layered bracelets, and rings that added even more sparkle. But the real showstopper was her crystal headpiece, designed by artist Manny Robertson. It was an elaborate replica of Lauper’s, featuring large circular frames and dangling orbs that shimmered with every step.

For glam, Chappell went bold as always. She wore dramatic eyeshadow in glimmering pink, white, and yellow tones, fluttery lashes, and deep brick-red lipstick.

Chappell finished the look with metallic gold heels she found on eBay. Upon closer look, I realized they were Christian Louboutin’s “Marchavekel” sandals, made from patina gold leather. They featured a knotted front, peep toes, and slim ankle straps, blending retro charm with a touch of shine. The heels boosted her petite 5ft 1 (154.9 cm) height, with their warm gold tone tying seamlessly with the crystals in her bustier top and headdress.

Chappell Roan completes her striking look with the metallic gold Christian Louboutin “Marchavekel” sandals with knotted vamps and peep toes, showcasing her green pedicure (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

✨ More Christian Louboutin “Marchavekel” Moments Worth Revisiting

The shimmering gold “Marchavekel” sandals Chappell Roan wore at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony have become a quiet red-carpet favorite — spotted on A-listers from Cannes to New York. Explore how other stars have styled this sculptural, knotted-strap design below.

Janelle Monáe in Deconstructed Thom Browne Suit & Platform Oxford Heels

Janelle Monáe, like Chappell Roan, has always been a maximalist dresser, so seeing her show up in something bold and theatrical didn’t surprise me. Still, when she graced the red carpet, I couldn’t help but stare. Her outfit, from Thom Browne’s Spring 2026 collection, was smart yet chaotic—exactly what you’d expect from Monáe and the American fashion designer.

Thom Browne is known for his avant-garde, deconstructed tailoring, and Monáe’s ensemble captured that perfectly. She wore a three-piece suit that looked almost sculptural, featuring a deep green blazer, half-striped and half-solid, with mismatched lapels—one plain, one patterned—and a knitted collar that added a touch of texture. What caught my attention were the extra sleeves stitched around the body, as if the jacket had grown new arms overnight. It was strange, yes, but fascinating.

Underneath, she wore a crisp white shirt and a striped necktie. Like the blazer, the pants were also layered, asymmetrical, and chaotic. They featured multiple legs made of different fabrics: one knitted, one striped, another pinstriped. It was a wild optical illusion that nearly swallowed her figure, yet somehow, Janelle made it look cool.

Janelle Monáe embraces deconstructed tailoring in a green Thom Browne Spring 2026 suit featuring a blazer and matching pants with extra sleeves and legs made of different fabrics (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

✨ More Thom Browne Fashion & Shoe Highlights Worth Exploring

From tailored suits to sculptural brogues and platform pumps, Thom Browne’s architectural approach to fashion continues to redefine red-carpet style. Explore these standout YNS moments featuring the designer’s distinctive creations below:

Minimal Accessories, Playful Hair & Thom Browne Oxford Platforms

For accessories, Janelle kept it minimal, which I thought was a smart move considering how loud her outfit already was. She wore tiny stud earrings and styled her hair in playful space buns with a soft fringe, complemented by a black-and-white headband that added just the right touch of whimsy.

Peeking from beneath the sea of green fabric were her black-and-white Oxford heels, also by Thom Browne. The classic wingtips, white laces, pinked trims, and high heels added a sharp, tailored finish to the otherwise deconstructed suit.

These platform Oxfords brought a hint of vintage charm and structure, which contrasted with the chaotic energy of her outfit.

Janelle Monáe pairs her chaotic green Thom Browne suit with black-and-white platform oxfords, complete with white laces, pinked trims, and a wingtip (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Explore More Bold Shoe Moments From Chappell Roan & Janelle Monáe

Chappell Roan and Janelle Monáe transformed the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony into a study in individuality — where every detail, from gilded Louboutins to sharply-cut Oxfords, told its own story. Together, they embodied modern glamour at its most expressive.

For readers captivated by their fearless approach to fashion and footwear, explore more of their defining red-carpet and performance-style moments below — each one a celebration of confidence, creativity, and boundary-pushing design.